What Is OSHA Confined Space Training

In confined spaces, one wrong step can get you trapped. Confined space workers need an updated knowledge of the OSHA confined space training modules as much as the other skills. A confined space training is mandatory for people working in arenas where dangers lurk. 

OSHA or the Occupational Safety and Health Administration requires confined space training to be more than just a regulatory checkbox. It is more of an earlier, proactive preparation approach helping workers to familiarize themselves with these high-risk areas in a safe and sound manner. The best difference can be made by recognized training courses, those that use real-time safety assessments. So what exactly are the steps and where do you start? Keep reading to find out. 

What Are Confined Spaces?

Confined spaces are not meant to be continuously occupied by humans. They are however large enough to be accessed by people to perform some tasks. Confined spaces usually have a few points that create specific hazards, mainly restricted airflow, a potentially toxic atmosphere, or a possibility of entrapment. Regulation 29 CFR 1910.146 classifies OSHA into two types of confined spaces:

General Confined Spaces: These involve areas such as storage tanks, pipelines, manholes, and underground vaults. They are dangerous but always not under the requirement of acquiring a permit before entry, except in cases where specific danger prevails.

Permit-Required Confined Spaces: These are areas of higher risks that include hazardous gasses, low oxygen levels, risk of engulfment, or other hazards that can jeopardize employees' safety. Access to such areas is controlled by a permit system that outlines the safety procedures, ventilation requirements, and rescue procedures.

Examples of confined spaces include silos and sewers, crawl spaces and utility tunnels. The confined space requires special training to enter the space safely and address hazards and emergencies. 

What Are The Requirements For Enrolling Into A Confined Space Training Program?

Enrolling in any confined space entry training program requires a couple of basic steps and prerequisites. Here's a breakdown of getting you started:

Basic Eligibility 

Most programs require participants to be at least 18 years old because confined space work is of a dangerous nature. It is not recommended for children and less skilled workers.

Employer Support

If the training is based on the requirement of a workplace, then it is funded by the employer. As per the OSHA regulations, employers have a responsibility to take care of the workers so that they are trained about relevant skills. 

Medical Clearance

Because confined space work can be physically demanding and even hazardous, some classes require proof of a recent medical evaluation. A recent medical evaluation is important so participants can perform the required activities without risks of restricted air flow or exposure to harmful substances​.

Pre-Training Orientation

Some training providers require or recommend an orientation on basic safety, especially to those that are new to confined spaces. Pre-training orientation serves as an introduction and setting for basic procedures and terminology for further learning​.

OSHA Compliance 

Employees should be trained on and aware of how to recognize and control confined space hazards. Employees trained on the recognition and control of confined space hazards must be knowledgeable on personal protective equipment (PPE) details, including emergency response, as well as other site-specific confined space hazards.

What Are The Key Course Objectives?

The core key areas that confined space training would cover would include safety, regulatory compliance, and response in case of emergencies. These would have the participants learn what hazards to watch out for and how to manage them best. Some of the prime objectives are as follows:

Understanding of Confined Space 

Training begins with the definition of confined spaces by OSHA. It includes teaching and working under conditions with restricted access. Participants learn to distinguish between standard and permit-required confined spaces where additional risk exists. The fundamental objective is to instruct identification of potential hazards that might exist in enclosed spaces. This includes atmospheric risks like noxious gasses, insufficient oxygen supply, engulfment hazards, and physical hazards. Techniques used for the identification of risk and hazard make the space safer before one enters.

Allow Entry Procedures

For spaces requiring permits, training addresses procedures for providing entry allowances. It also includes roles and responsibilities of professionals such as attendants and supervisors and documentation to meet the requirements of OSHA.

Using PPE and Safety Equipment 

Participants learn proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and additional important safety tools for using confined space entries, including devices such as gas detectors and communication devices.

Emergency Preparedness and Rescue Protocols

The training also includes emergency response plans including rescue protocols and having a rescue team or out-of-site support available in an emergency.

Continued Compliance and Refresher Training

OSHA requires periodic refresher training to refresh knowledge, especially with new hazard identification or when changes are made in confined space tasks.

What To Expect In A Confined Space Training Program?

This basic training program in a confined space essentially plots out a comprehensive curriculum. Confined space courses take care of aspects such as identifying confined spaces, understanding associated hazards, and knowing OSHA's requirements on confined spaces and the general differences between confined spaces and permit-required spaces. Practical elements will then focus on elimination and response during emergencies while working with personal protective equipment.

Training sessions consist of an extensive range of hands-on exercises, which gives participants the confidence to abide by the safety protocols in place. Courses will also comprehensively cover atmospheric testing devices for detecting gasses, using a confined space entry permit, performing a non-entry rescue, and learning the role and responsibility of entrants, attendants, and supervisors. Participants will also be taught communication strategies that are very vital in conducting confined space operations.

A Note From LearnTastic 

Everything that you will learn from a confined space training program will prepare you with sufficient confidence and knowledge to face any given challenge in the workplace. All of the operations that you conduct, will be completed safely due the knowledge gained by the confined space training program. Remember, in confined spaces, preparation and awareness are your best defenses. Enroll for a training program today to make sure that every entry is safe, every step is cautious, and every exit is secure.

References:

https://www.osha.gov/confined-spaces